RPO ROCKETS STREETSBORO PAST MOONEY
Streetsboro, OH- In the first round of the OHSAA playoffs, the Cardinal Mooney Cardinals fought hard but ultimately fell to the undefeated Streetsboro Rockets, who used a potent RPO (run-pass option) attack to control the game and secure a 42-21 victory. Streetsboro’s quarterback Cohen Klimak led the Rockets’ offense with his dual-threat capability, scoring four touchdowns on the ground and keeping the Cardinals’ defense guessing all night. The loss brings Cardinal Mooney’s season to an end, while the Rockets advance with a perfect record.
The Rockets wasted no time in showing their offensive firepower, opening the game with an explosive 50-yard touchdown run by Manny Gibson just over a minute into the first quarter. Klimak then showcased his versatility as he orchestrated Streetsboro’s RPO attack, reading Mooney’s defense and making quick decisions that often put the Cardinals out of position. Late in the first quarter, Klimak capped another Rockets drive with a 2-yard keeper, bringing the score to 14-0.
In the second quarter, Klimak continued to pressure Mooney’s defense, scoring on a 6-yard touchdown run to put Streetsboro up 21-0 with under four minutes left in the half. However, the Cardinals responded when quarterback Vince Gentile found Carlos Gomez on a 10-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the Rockets’ lead to 21-7 at halftime.
Mooney carried that momentum into the third quarter, where Adyn Paige powered into the end zone on a 3-yard run, cutting Streetsboro’s lead to just seven points at 21-14. But the Rockets’ RPO attack struck again as Klimak executed another well-timed keeper, rushing three yards for his third touchdown of the night with only eight seconds left in the quarter, extending Streetsboro’s lead to 28-14.
Determined to keep their season alive, Mooney came out swinging in the fourth quarter. On the first play, Gentile connected with Dennis Clark for a thrilling 88-yard touchdown strike that brought Mooney back within one score at 28-21. Yet the Rockets remained steady, using their RPO offense to maintain control of the game clock and sustain long drives. Klimak found the end zone for the fourth time midway through the quarter with another 3-yard run, and Janiere Cook sealed the win with a 4-yard rushing touchdown in the game’s final minutes, setting the final score at 42-21.
Streetsboro’s effective RPO scheme not only fueled their scoring but also kept the Cardinals’ defense guessing, opening up rushing lanes and allowing Klimak to control the pace of the game. Mooney’s defense simply couldn’t contain the Rockets’ dynamic offense, which consistently made decisive plays and forced Mooney to play catch-up.
With this hard-fought loss, Cardinal Mooney finishes their season at 3-8. Streetsboro (11-0) will now advance to host the Northwest Indians (9-2), who defeated the Orange Lions in their first-round matchup.
